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Honda previews small crossover at Detroit show: Fit-based vehicle due in 2014

January 13, 2013

1 of 8The crossover is a key part of Honda's global growth strategy. Sales of the Fit and its platform derivatives are expected to double to 1.5 million units by 2016.

Photo by Jake Lingeman

2 of 8The Honda Urban SUV Concect debuted on Monday in Detroit.

Photo by Jake Lingeman

3 of 8The Honda Urban SUV is based on the Fit.

Photo by Jake Lingeman

4 of 8Honda will field the subcompact crossover early next year.

Photo by Jake Lingeman

5 of 8Honda introduced the Urban SUV concept at the Detroit auto show.

Photo by Jake Lingeman

6 of 8Honda introduced the Urban SUV concept at the Detroit auto show.

Photo by Jake Lingeman

7 of 8The Honda Urban SUV concept previews a new crossover that is smaller than the CR-V.

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8 of 8The production version of the Honda Urban SUV concept will be built in Mexico.

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About the Detroit auto show

Honda will field an entry in the subcompact crossover market when its Fit-based vehicle arrives early next year. A concept version of the vehicle was unveiled Monday at the Detroit auto show.

Measuring 169.3 inches long, Honda's Urban SUV Concept is 9 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V. Honda expects the vehicle to sell strongly in urban markets. It will compete with vehicles such as the Nissan Juke.

Honda's crossover most likely will share with the next-generation Fit a 1.5-liter inline-four with an estimated 127 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque. The interior will include Honda's configurable fold-flat "Magic Seat" setup in the second row of seats.

The crossover will go on sale in Japan by the end of this year, with a U.S. on-sale date of early 2014. Starting in spring 2014, production of the North American version will occur in Celaya, Mexico.

The crossover is a key part of Honda's global growth strategy. Sales of the Fit and its platform derivatives are expected to double to 1.5 million units by 2016.

The annual North American International Auto Show, better known as the Detroit auto show, has maintained its place as a barometer for the entire industry. For 2013, NAIAS takes place Jan. 14-27 and will host concept cars, green cars and supercars from all the major automakers, including what's expected to be a highlight this year: the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage of the Detroit auto show here.